Man’s teeth smashed by glass hurled in brawl at The Nelson pub in Norwich

Norwich Crown Court. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The victim was hit by the glass thrown by Ben Lamb during the fight at The Nelson on Nelson Street on February 13 last year.

Norwich Crown Court heard he was left with a bleeding mouth, a chipped front tooth and a fractured tooth, which had to be removed - plus a dental bill of £2,200.

Chris Youell, prosecuting, said the victim, who was not named, could not afford the money.

He said the victim did not make any statement, but there was a report from the dentist, who examined his injuries after the incident.

Lamb, 33, of North Park Avenue, Norwich, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was jailed for eight months.

Sentencing him, Judge Katharine Moore told Lamb he had caused an innocent bystander in the pub an 'unpleasant and painful' injury.

'You selected a glass from the bar as a weapon and you used it.'

She accepted Lamb had not aimed the glass at the victim but said: 'You did quite deliberately involve yourself in a confrontation. There was an exit and you could have used it.'

Judge Moore said it was more serious as the incident happened in a crowded bar and said: 'If you pick up and fling a glass you have little control over which person you may injure.'

She added that the injury could have been far worse but accepted he had shown genuine remorse.

Andrew Oliver, for Lamb, said: 'He had no malice towards the victim. He knows he was completely innocent and he is extremely sorry. He expresses deep remorse for his behaviour that night.'

He said Lamb had recently suffered a close family bereavement and was upset about comments made in the pub when he had got involved in the confrontation.

Mr Oliver said: 'His intention was not to get involved in a fight. He could have and should have walked away.'